Table of Contents

What does vision look like with cataracts?

Cataracts are one of the most common causes of vision impairment worldwide, especially among older adults. Understanding how cataracts affect vision is essential for early diagnosis and effective treatment. But what exactly happens to your eyesight when cataracts develop? And what does the world look like through the eyes of someone living with this condition?

In this blog, we will walk you through what vision looks like with cataracts, how symptoms progress, and what you can do to restore clear sight.

What are cataracts?

A cataract is a clouding of the eye’s natural lens, which lies behind the iris and the pupil. This lens helps to focus light onto the retina to produce a clear image. When proteins in the lens begin to clump together and form a cloudy area, it interferes with how light is focused—leading to blurry or distorted vision.

What does vision look like with cataracts?

Cataract symptoms often begin subtly and worsen over time. People experiencing cataracts often describe their vision changes in the following ways:

1. Cloudy or Blurry vision

Imagine looking through a foggy window or smeared glasses. Cataracts cause a persistent haze over your vision that does not go away even when you clean your glasses or blink.

2. Faded colours

Colours may appear dull or yellowed, as if you are looking at the world through an old, sepia-toned photograph. This can especially affect your ability to distinguish between shades of blue and purple.

3. Increased sensitivity to light

Bright sunlight or headlights at night may seem overwhelming or glaring. You may develop a strong sensitivity to light and find it uncomfortable to be outdoors during the day or to drive at night.

4. Halos around lights

Lights may appear to have halos or rings around them, especially at night. This is a common symptom that makes driving difficult and dangerous.

5. Double vision in one eye

With cataracts, some people experience monocular double vision—seeing a double image in one eye, even if the other eye is covered.

6. Difficulty reading or Seeing fine details

Over time, reading small print or distinguishing facial features becomes more difficult, especially in low-light settings.

Real-Life examples of cataract vision

To give you a better picture, here is how common scenarios are affected:

Reading a book: The text appears faded and blurry. You may need brighter light or a magnifying glass.
Driving at night: Oncoming headlights cause blinding glare and halos, making it hard to judge distances.
Watching TV: Faces look less sharp and contrast is reduced, making details hard to follow.
Looking in the mirror: Your own face may appear washed out or foggy.

How do cataracts progress?

Cataracts typically develop slowly over time. Early-stage cataracts may not significantly interfere with your day-to-day activities, but as they grow, symptoms intensify.

Here is how the progression usually occurs:

Stage 1: Mild clouding – Vision slightly blurred, may not be noticeable.
Stage 2: Moderate cataracts – Increased difficulty in dim lighting, colours look dull.
Stage 3: Advanced cataracts – Serious vision impairment, possible legal blindness if left untreated.

When to seek help?

If you notice any of the above symptoms, it is essential to consult an eye specialist. At Clarity Eye Surgeons, we offer comprehensive eye exams to detect and monitor cataracts early.

You should book an appointment if you experience:

Trouble driving at night.
Difficulty reading despite glasses.
Blurred or hazy vision that worsens.
Increased glare from lights.

Treatment options

The only definitive and long-term treatment for cataracts is surgical removal of the cloudy lens. Cataract surgery involves replacing the eye’s natural lens, which has become opaque, with a clear artificial intraocular lens (IOL). This procedure is considered one of the safest and most commonly performed surgeries worldwide, with a high success rate and minimal risks when done by an experienced ophthalmologist.

Cataract surgery is typically performed on an outpatient basis, meaning patients can go home the same day. The procedure usually takes 15–30 minutes per eye, and most people experience significant improvement in their vision within a few days.

There are different types of cataract surgeries, including:

Phacoemulsification (most common): A small incision is made, and an ultrasonic probe is used to break up the cloudy lens, which is then suctioned out and replaced with an IOL.
Femtosecond Laser-Assisted Cataract Surgery (FLACS): A laser is used for certain steps, improving precision and potentially speeding up recovery.
Extracapsular Cataract Extraction (ECCE): Used in more advanced cases, this involves a larger incision to remove the lens in one piece.

There are also various types of intraocular lenses available:

Monofocal IOLs: Provide clear vision at one distance (usually distance).
Multifocal or Extended Depth of Focus (EDOF) IOLs: Help in seeing at multiple distances, reducing dependence on glasses.
Toric IOLs: Correct astigmatism along with cataract removal.

While non-surgical measures such as updated eyeglass prescriptions, brighter lighting, and magnifying lenses may offer temporary relief in the early stages, they do not stop the progression of cataracts.

Cataract surgery restores useful vision in over 95% of patients, provided no other eye conditions are present. With timely diagnosis and the right surgical approach, cataract treatment can significantly enhance quality of life, independence, and safety, especially in older adults.

Conclusion

Cataracts can gradually take away the clarity of your world—but they do not have to. Understanding what cataract vision looks like can empower you to take the right steps early on. If you or a loved one is experiencing signs of cataracts, reach out to Clarity Eye Surgeons today for expert care and a clearer tomorrow.

Author bio

Dr Parth Shah is a leading ophthalmologist in Canberra, specialising in cataract surgery. With extensive training and experience, he is renowned for his expertise in the field. Dr Shah is dedicated not only to performing successful surgeries but also to patient education. His compassionate approach, combined with technical proficiency, has earned him the trust and gratitude of countless patients. He is a true advocate for eye health and a trusted name in the Canberra ophthalmology community.

FAQs

Can cataracts develop in both eyes at the same time?

Yes, cataracts can develop in both eyes, but they often progress at different rates, causing one eye to have worse vision than the other.

Are cataracts painful or itchy?

No, cataracts do not cause pain, itching, or discomfort in the eyes. They affect only the clarity of vision.

Can young people get cataracts?

While cataracts are more common in older adults, they can also occur in younger individuals due to genetics, eye injury, medications (like steroids), or certain medical conditions like diabetes.

Can cataracts cause blindness if left untreated?

Yes, if left untreated, advanced cataracts can lead to significant vision loss and even legal blindness, though this process is usually gradual.

How are cataracts diagnosed?

Cataracts are diagnosed during a comprehensive eye exam using tools such as a slit-lamp microscope, visual acuity tests, and dilated eye examination.

Is there any way to prevent cataracts from developing?

While cataracts cannot always be prevented, protecting your eyes from UV light, eating a healthy diet, managing health conditions like diabetes, and avoiding smoking can help delay their development.